Hunter Education

Hunter Education is a mandatory course for anyone wishing to buy a hunting license in New Hampshire. It is designed to teach hunters proper safety and ethics in the field while hunting. NH Fish and Game posts courses beginning in February and courses run through October. Online pre-registration is required for many program offerings, including certification courses. Register as soon as possible -- courses fill up FAST.

When registering for a course, you will be asked to create a profile. Your profile will link to any online registration you choose to sign up for now and in the future. It is essential to keep your username and password for all future NH Fish and Game online education program registrations and course information.

Online Hunter Education course with Field Day: This is an online course that you can take at your own pace. You must be at least 15 years old to register. There is a $29 fee to take the course online. Upon passing the test at the end of the online course you will receive a voucher containing a link for available field days via e-mail. You must bring the voucher with you to be admitted to the Field Day. There may be a $5 fee for the Field Day to help defray instructor cost.

Find a Trapper Education Course

Trapper Education teaches participants how to responsibly trap furbearing animals. This course is also required to become a licensed Wildlife Control Officer. This course is generally 8 hours in length and covers trapping laws safety and best practices for trapping. These courses are offered around the state. If there is no course currently listed please call the hunter education office (603) 271-3212 to check on next the available course.

Courses are generally available year-round, but our peak season is April through September. If you cannot find a course that meets your needs, check back frequently. This site is updated as new courses are scheduled.

Owl Brook Hunter Education Center is a 240-acre education center located in Holderness, N.H. A variety of hunting and outdoor skills workshops are offered year round including summer youth programs, advanced hunting skills topics, shooting skills, map and compass and outdoor survival. All workshops are taught using hands on experiential learning. Owl Brook also has a woodland archery range free for public use.

Why Take Hunter Education?

Today's hunters are going into the field knowing how to hunt safely, responsibly and ethically. Coupled with the voluntary use of hunter orange clothing, Hunter Education has dramatically helped to reduce the number of hunting-related firearms incidents in the field.

About the Hunter Education Curriculum

Hunter Education emphasizes safe gun handling, hunter responsibilities, ethics, and knowledge of firearms and ammunition. Students participate in a live fire exercise; learn about wildlife identification, conservation and wildlife management. In addition, Conservation Officers provide expert advice on New Hampshire hunting rules and regulations as part of the class. The course culminates in a written examination and practical field exam in which students demonstrate their new knowledge and skills to earn certification. Bowhunter education is incorporated and covers the core concepts of ethics, wildlife conservation, identification and management, rules and regulations, bowhunting safety, archery equipment, tree-stand safety and proper shot placement. Students must also pass a written test to earn certification.